Why You Should Join

Physicians

Why should physicians become involved?

Recent articles in the New England Journal of Medicine and Circulation have shown that along the Wasatch Front, even short-term exposure to elevated PM 2.5 pollution levels resulted in increased risk of stroke and cardiac death (Circulation 2006 114: 2443, 2006). The increased Utah death rate attributable to elevated levels of PM 2.5 has been estimated at approximately 1,000-2,000 individuals per year. At UPHE we believe that is unacceptable, and we want to be able to make a difference.

One hundred physicians can have a stronger voice than 10. Most of our experiences with non profit organizations is that we send a check once a year. Given that we have busy lives and that there are many worthy causes, it is important to be involved with causes where we can make a difference. We are asking physicians and health professionals to join who might have the interest in developing expertise with one environmental problem. We will need help giving presentations and meeting with community officials. To get people to use mass transit, bicycles, and use their automobiles less, we need to convince people to change their behavior.

We want physicians and patients to know that air pollution and other toxic environmental exposure may have exacerbated or even caused their illness, myocardial infarction, or stroke. We would like patients and physicians to share their experiences with us.

Other Professionals and the General Public

Please contact us if you would like to contribute in the areas of behavior modification techniques or grass roots activism.